Curriculum

English

• English 9 Grammar, writing, and vocabulary are studied in conjunction with literature. Units include short stories, drama, poetry and a novel. First or second semester course for Grade 9; meets two periods per day.
• Academic Writing This course focuses on advancing and strengthening academic writing skills. Students write several short papers including essays and a short research paper. Academic Writing is a prerequisite to Advanced Writing. First or second semester. Grade 10
• Writing Skills This course addresses the writing skills needed to succeed in high school writing and literature courses. Emphasis is on sentence structure, paragraph structure, grammar, and mechanics. First or second semester. Grade 10
• Journalism This course introduces students to the various types and styles of journalistic writing. An elective course, Journalism is recommended for students considering applying to school publications. First semester for grades 10-12
• Communication & Analysis The life skills of listening, speaking, and writing are studied and practiced. The course emphasizes the organization and presentation of information for various purposes and audiences. Contemporary uses of media including entertainment and advertising are analyzed and evaluated from a Christian perspective. Semester course required of all juniors. First or second semester for grade 11.
• Speech Students learn to deal with fear and nervousness and to be confident and effective in a speaking situation. Class activities include group discussions, extemporaneous and memorized speeches and critiques. An emphasis is on applying speech skills outside of class. Prerequisite: Communication and Analysis Second semester for grades 11-12
• English Composition I (Advanced Placement). Designed to develop fluency in writing clear, forceful, and effective prose, this course, when taken in conjunction with Introduction to Literature (AP), is intended to prepare students to take the AP Literature and Composition exam for college credit. By paying an additional $35 registration fee and a $50 course fee and taking a placement exam, students may receive college credit for this course through Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC). Strongly recommended for juniors in preparation for the SAT. All students registering for English Composition I must take and pass HACC’s placement exam. This is a weighted class. Second semester for grades 11-12
• Advanced Writing Students are guided through the writing of several papers, including an autobiography and an extensive research paper. Especially recommended for college-bound students. Mennonite college credit available. Strongly recommended for juniors in preparation for the SAT. Prerequisite: Academic Writing First or second semester for grades 11-12.
• Drama: Performance This class introduces the art of drama as communication. Students are challenged to develop skill in vocal articulation, projection, improvisation, stage presence, and familiarization with dramatic terms. First semester for grades 11-12.
• Creative Writing The writing of short stories, poetry, and plays encourages imaginative expression. For students who enjoy writing and are ready for a challenge. First semester for grades 11-12.
• Career English Students learn the written and oral communication skills necessary to get a job and function well in a work environment. First or second semester for grades 11-12
• Yearbook Staff members use a period daily to work on the yearbook. Only students already appointed to the staff should include this in their schedule. Students receive a pass or fail grade. Recommended prior courses: Journalism and Two-dimensional Design. First semester for grades 11-12.
• Introductio to Literature (Advanced Placement) Designed to develop understanding and to increase human experience through literature, this college level course, when taken in conjunction with English Composition I, is intended to prepare students to take the AP Literature and Composition exam for college credit. The major literary types (poetry, fiction, and drama) are defined and illustrated through examples drawn from English and American literature as well as other literatures of the world. By paying an additional $35 registration fee and a $50 course fee and taking a placement exam, students may receive college credit for this course through Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC). This is a weighted class. First semester for grade 12.
• Advanced Reading Designed for the student with above average ability and self-discipline, this course allows students to plan their own curriculum from a list of books suggested for the college bound. Students receive guidance in reading critically and respond in writing and orally to each book read. Second semester for grades 11-12.
• British Literature Students study the major authors of the principle literary periods from Beowulf to 20th century poetry and become aware of recurring themes that link students of today with people of all times. Special attention is given to continuing questions about the meaning of life and death. Second semester for grades 10-12.
• U.S. Literature Three centuries of U.S. literature from early New England poetry to late 19th century short stories are studied with emphasis placed on the independent, pioneering character of the nation as it is reflected in the literature. Second semester for grades 10-12 in alternate years.
• Themes in Literature The literature studied is organized around themes of high interest to students. Themes include death, love, courage, and friendship. First semester for grades 10-12 in alternate years.
• Literature of the Bible The artistic dimension of the Bible is emphasized through careful study of various types of literature found in it and through the study of biblical influence in literature, art, music. Second semester for grades 10-12 in alternate years.
• Literature of the Christian Faith Selected works of various types from Christian writers are studied as literature and as inspirational writings. The use of Christian themes by non-Christian authors is also noted. Second semester for grades 10-12 in alternate years.
• World Literature Students will examine classic and contemporary world literature, exploring thematic threads which connect the works despite their varied cultural traditions, helping to broaden the students’ perspectives. Designed for the student with above average ability and self-discipline, this course allows students to plan their own curriculum from a list of books suggested for the college bound. Students receive guidance in critical reading and respond orally and in writing to each book. First or second semester course for grades 10-12
• English Language Learning─Level 2 (Scaled SLEP score below 45, TOEFL score below 390). This course focuses on improving BICS (Basic Interpersonal Conversational Skills) through exercises in listening and speaking, accent reduction, writing & grammar, reading & vocabulary, and American Culture. Students will improve both oral and written English within the social and the academic settings. Topics covered in the classroom include: sentence and paragraph structure, reading, vocabulary, an introduction to literature, oral presentations, note-taking, outlines, essays, MLA format, APA format and information about the school & surrounding community. Students must either have a study hall, during which they can be tutored by Mrs. Bomgardner, or they have the option of getting a tutor through American Home Life at the rate of $1,350 per semester (two hours a week for a total of 36 hours). Additional tutoring is available at $48/hour. Full year course; fee of $4,000 for an equivalent of two periods of instruction and tutoring.
• English Language Learning─Level 3 (Scaled SLEP score 46-52, TOEFL score from 390-450) This course focuses on improving CALP (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency) through exercises in critical thinking, group discussion, debates, more advanced literature, research papers, essays, learning strategies, advanced vocabulary, and advanced grammar. Students in this level are focused on developing increased accuracy in academic work. Students will continue developing their reading, writing, and oral presentation skills as required for success in all subjects. No tutoring is required, but students have the option of being tutored by Mrs. Bomgardner or getting a tutor through American Home Life at the rate of $1,350 per semester (two hours a week for a total of 36 hours). Additional tutoring is available at $48/hour. Full year course; fee of $2,400 for an equivalent of one period of instruction.
• Advanced English for English Language Learners (Scaled SLEP score 52 or above, TOEFL score 450-550) This course focuses on improving CALP (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency) through reading academic literature, essays, and narratives, analyzing literature, writing reaction papers, advanced vocabulary and grammar, and writing a research paper. Students in this level should be working toward independent study in most of their classes. They should be able to apply learning strategies and research skills effectively. Students will also learn to respond critically to print and media works. This course is the average for acceptance to American Universities. No tutoring is required, but students have the option of being tutored by Mrs. Bomgardner or getting a tutor through American Home Life at the rate of $1,350 per semester (two hours a week for a total of 36 hours). Additional tutoring is available at $48/hour. 1.0 credit Full year course; fee of $1,900 per semester for an equivalent of one period of instruction.